At every sporting event it attends, the pep band plays a major role in setting the tone. More than just background music, pep bands help with energizing the crowds, supporting athletes, and bringing students together.
For members like Anthoney Shue and Ezra Manias, pep bands are as much about community as they are about the music.
Anthony Shue, a senior at State High, has been part of the pep band throughout all four years of high school. After the marching band ended, he wanted a way to keep playing music and stay connected to the band community.
“I really like playing music, and I also like the community,” he said. Encouraged by other students, Shue joined and quickly found it to be a natural continuation of his band experience.
Shue primarily plays percussion, an instrument he began in fourth grade, but he often steps into other roles when needed. “Typically in pep band, I play several instruments–drum set, electric bass, or even trombone,” he said. He explains that percussion stood out to him because of its variety and distinctive sound, which kept him interested over the years.
Shue believes that pep bands play an important role in shaping the atmosphere at games, “it’s a very important contributor to rallying our teammates,” he said, explaining that it adds energy in a way cheerleading alone cannot.
Despite their positive nature, pep bands do have their challenges. Shue said timing can be difficult during games, especially when it comes to timeouts. “Knowing when to play is tricky,” he said, since timeout lengths are not always clear and require players to pay attention to both the game and the music.
The pep band rehearses less frequently than the marching band, with most preparation happening on game days. Shue noted that the group had only one full rehearsal before the first game. Before performances, members usually warm up quietly and prepare individually before heading onto the court.
Ezra Manias, a sophomore, has been involved in the pep band since freshman year and described it simply as “marching band for basketball.” Manias originally played saxophone before switching to mellophone, an instrument similar to the French horn. With fewer mellophone players available, they decided to continue playing it in the pep band.
Ezra believes the pep band has a strong impact on the school spirit and school attendance. “It brings more students to the game,” they said, adding that athletes appreciate having the band’s support, especially at a school where athletics are a big focus.
Beyond performances, the pep band also offers social benefits. “I get to spend a lot of time with people who are really nice,” Ezra said. They also enjoy being able to attend games while supporting friends and classmates.
Because the pep band is student-run, staying organized can be challenging at times. Ezra said communication during games can be difficult, and the pep band is often taken less seriously than the marching band. Student leaders like Shue and drum major Piper Curling help keep things running by leading rehearsals, choosing music, and working with librarians to pass out sheet music.
With more games ahead this season, the pep band will continue to play a key role in creating energy and supporting the school’s athletics. For students interested in joining, the commitment does not have to be long-term. As Manias said, “You can always just come to a game, and if you don’t like it, you don’t have to come back.”
